Good evening, Mr. Norton.
Getting home pretty late.
- Couldn't be helped, Joe.
- Couldn't you elbow a little?
Forget about the train schedule?
- Let's keep going, Joe, I'm in a hurry.
- Alright.
Mr. Norton, if you don't mind
me saying, it won't work.
Huh?
Bringing home presents only makes
a wife more suspicious.
Right away she knows
you did something wrong.
Starts looking for the powder on your lapel,
the lipstick on your handkerchief.
Thanks for the advice, Joe,
but I'm not in any trouble.
Oh, then why all those?
I'm celebrating.
Joe, I'm going to be made
a vice president of the firm.
Well what do you know.
Yes, the boss sprung it out to me tonight
just as I was leaving the office.
Well, of course it'll take the Board's okay,
but that's pretty much in.
Congratulations.
- More dough?
- Considerable.
- I bet your family will blow it's top.
- No, there'll be no holding them.
We've been waiting for this
for a long time.
You should have seen my kids
when I first got the cab.
They ran out and patted it like
it was a dog.
Hey, Joe, you're passing the house.
- Good evening, Gladys.
- Good evening, Mr. Norton.
Bought you a little present, Gladys.
Nothing's going to make me change
my mind, Mr. Norton.
- About what?
- You'd better speak to Mrs. Norton.
I'll set your dinner on the table, if it
isn't cooked enough and all ready.
Hey, Chris.
Notice anything different about
your father tonight?
No.
Well, you might show a little
more enthusiasm.
Your father is going to be made
a vice president.
And I thought a vice president's son
ought to have a new chemistry set.
Second from the bottom.
- Gosh, it's a big one.
- Number 25, the atomic energy set.
Oh, gee!
It's swell, Dad!
But I don't know if I'll be
able to use it.
Chemistry sets get awful messy.
Guess you'd better send it back.
Thanks anyway, Dad.
Dad.
I heard. Congratulations.
Well, it's nothing to be sad about.
Here, I brought you something too.
Oh, I'm so glad for you, Dad.
- So glad for you!
- Kathy!
I'm so glad for you, Dad.
I'm so glad for you, Dad.
Hiya, Corky.
Meg, what's going on around here?
- Meg?
- In here, dear.
You're awfully late tonight, darling.
What kept you?
- I had to stop off at Hattie Carnegie's.
- Oh.
Well, you'd better get cleaned up.
You know how Gladys is about holding dinner.
Meg, I said I had to stop off
at Hattie Carnegie's.
She is not a business associate.
She sells very beautiful things
for women.
Like this.
Oh, I'm sorry. I must have been
a million miles away.
Thank you, dear.
You don't know the trouble I had
getting into the store after 6 o'clock.
I finally managed it.
The sailsgirl missed her bus.
I had to send her home in a taxi.
Oh, here!
It's the one I pointed out to you
in the window
- Repeatedly.
- It was sweet of you, dear, it's very nice.
Meg, what's going on is this house?
I come home with the most
wonderful news of my life.
Burnisde finally offered me
the vice presidency.
And everybody around here acts like
characters out of a Russian tragedy.
Oh, it's nothing, dear,
it's just a little family problem.
There's no point in upsetting
your day.
It's already been upset!
Well... if you must know...
It's your mother.
Again?
At 9:30 this morning your mother
asked me for something to do.
So I let her do the shopping.
At 9:45 she had a terrible argument
with Mr. Hammond, the grocer.
Your mother's been living in hotels
these past ten years.
She has no idea that prices have
gone up since 1940.
At eleven she complained about the way
the house was being cleaned.
Gladys's dusting didn't meet
the finger test.
At lunch she had a row with
your son.
She doesn't approve of the way
he keeps his room.
In her day all children were
neat and clean...
...and their dogs didn't sleep
on their beds.
At 3:30 she had words with Cathy.
She saw Jimmy Blake kiss Cathy goodbye
and she considers this highly indecent.
At 5:30 I arrived home after working
hard on the charity dance all day...
...to be told that I was a poor wife and
mother and that I was neglecting my family.
And if you don't do something
about it soon...
I'll go crazy!
Darling, it's not that serious.
- I'll have another talk with Mother.
- When?
Right now.
- I guess.
- Hal, promise me something.
You'll do the talking this time.
Your mother's in the study.
I'll put your dinner back on the stove.
Come in.
Good evening, Mother.
Good evening, son.
- Mother, I want to speak to you.
- Just a moment, dear.
There.
I just heard the good news from Chris.
It's just wonderful!
I'm not at all surprised, though.
My boy is just like his father.
Thank you, Mother, but...
It won't be long until you're president
of the company.
I just know it.
Well, Mr. Burnside isn't ready
to retire yet.
Well, he should. You said he
was sixty-five.
- Mother, there's something else I want...
- Son, guess who d*ed.
- Mabel Trenam.
- I'm very sorry to hear it.
You probably don't remember Mabel.
But she was related to us.
Well, not exactly. She married
your second cousin Richard.
Remember, the tall boy with
the weak eyes?
Mother, will you please let me say
what I'd like to say?
Why, of course, dear...
Fix your handkerchief.
Mother, you've only been living
with us for little over a month.
And, well, I realize it takes time for
people to get used to one another...
That's why I've tried to be
helpful, son.
Mother, without realizing it...
you've caused a great deal
of trouble.
- Oh...
- This is Meg's home.
And much as you may not agree
with her about a lot of things...
she has to run it her own way.
I thought that Meg would be grateful
for my suggestions.
Well, to be blunt about it,
she's not.
And Chris and Cathy aren't
very happy either.
Children aren't raised exactly
as they were in your day.
They resent being balled out by
anyone except their parents.
I'm afraid I made a mistake
coming here, Harold.
Oh, Mother, please.
It's alright, dear. Your father left
me well provided for.
Perhaps it's best I live alone.
Mother, if we hadn't wanted you t live
with us we never would have asked you to.
But... well, you have to make
a life for yourself.
Find some interest apart
from the family.
Son, this should be the happiest
day of your life.
I seem to have spoiled it for you.
I'll see to it that you have
nothing to worry about.
I'll find something to do, I'll...
...keep out of everyone's way.
- Oh...
- Please, Harold, go.
- Mother.
- Please, go.
Harold, it's just lovely.
Harold, where are you going?
I'm going to walk at least five
miles to cool off.
I'm celebrating the happiest
day of my life.
- Good morning, Christopher.
- Good morning, Grandma.
I'll get the room all straightened
out before school.
That's entirely up to you,
Christopher.
Come on, beautiful we'll be late.
I can't find my Latin homework.
Well, I hope you didn't lose it
after I did it for you.
Oh, here it is.
Hi!
Good morning, James.
Good morning, Cathy.
- Good morning, Mother,
- Good morning, son.
Good morning, Meg.
- You're down late.
- I'm sorry, I overslept.
Mother, I'm afraid the eggs are cold.
I'll have Gladys make a fresh batch.
There's no need, I'm not very hungry.
Just juice and coffee will do.
Mom, I'm late, I haven't got time
for breakfast.
Chris, you can't sit in school with
absolutely nothing in your stomach.
- At least drink your milk.
- Oh, Mom.
There, that's my boy.
There!
- Bye, Dad.
- Bye, Christopher.
- I'm sorry, Grandma.
- That's perfectly alright, Christopher.
Oh, Mother, here's some mail for you.
Well, aren't you going to read it?
I receive one of these every week,
I know what it says.
Dear neighbor, won't you join our
Pleasantville Ladies' Auxiliary Circle?
Red Cross work, sewing, knitting.
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning...
...ten to twelve.
Mother, it sounds like fun.
Why don't you try it?
You'll make some new friends.
It isn't easy to make friends
at my age.
Oh, you sound as if you were
a hundred years old.
Most of the women have lived here
a long time. I'd be just an outsider.
Oh, they wouldn't have sent
you the card if they...
Oh, there's my ride.
I'll have to go.
- Goodbye, Mother.
- Goodbye, dear.
I'll try to get home early tonight.
Now, about the things you wanted me
to bring back from the city...
What things?
What are you talking about?
I don't like the way Mother's acting.
Well, Hal, we can't expect
miracles.
She's hurt. It's going to take us a little
time to prove we didn't mean to hurt her.
Well do me a favor, will you, darling,
I know you're busy with the
Country Club dance,
but, if you can find the time,
take her for a ride or something.
I'll find the time.
Goodbye, darling.
- Buy.
- I'm coming.
Oh Mother, I've been thinking. Why don't
you come over to the Country Club with me?
We can have a nice lunch and
afterwards we can go for a drive.
Thank you, but I'm afraid I'd be
in the way.
Are you sure you won't
change your mind?
I'm very comfortable, thank you.
Oh, Gladys, I'm leaving.
Is there anything you need?
Better stop by the grocer's
and pick up a sack of potatoes...
...and some shortening.
I bet Mr. Hammond will be relieved to see
you doing the shopping again.
Gladys!
Goodbye, Mother.
Here, you left this in the
dining room.
Oh, thank you.
Are you going to be in here
much longer?
This is my thorough-cleaning day.
I'll go upstairs to my room.
Gladys, I won't be home for
lunch today.
Excuse me, can you tell me where
I'll find the Ladies' Auxiliary Building?
You can't miss it. It's the gray building
down at the end of the street.
- Used to be the Fire Station.
- Thank you.
Be sure you deliver Mrs. Thomas' order
first. She's having a luncheon.
Yes, sir.
- Good morning, Mr. Hammond.
- Good morning, Mrs. Norton.
- Mr. Hammond.
- Yes?
I owe you an apology. I'm afraid I made
quite a scene in the store yesterday.
But I didn't realize how much prices
had gone up since 1940.
I think it's best that the entire episode
be completely forgotten.
Excuse me.
Good day, Mr. Hammond.
Mrs. Norton.
Please.
- I didn't mean to seem so abrupt.
- Rude.
I'm terribly sorry. I don't know what's
gotten into my temper these days.
I'd try to control it.
Particularly in your business.
I do try, Mrs. Norton...
But somehow as the years move on
I get more and more crotchety.
I know.
My disposition hasn't been the same
since my husband d*ed...
...some ten years ago.
My wife d*ed a little over ten
ago years too.
Perhaps loneliness makes for anger.
That's true. That's very profound.
Couldn't we forget our little quarrel?
It was bad temper on both sides.
Good day, Mr. Hammond.
Mrs. Norton...
Older people don't have to be lonely.
Mr. Hammond... I really must be going.
- Mr. Hammond.
- Yes?
Can you tell me where I'll find
the Ladies' Auxiliary Building?
Yes, it's just er...
I'll direct you personally.
Meg, you're a genius. This month's
grocery bill is down $25.00.
How did you do it?
To tell you the truth, Hal, I don't
understand it myself.
For some strange reason we've suddenly
become Mr. Hammond's favorite customers.
He's even sent over all sorts
of delicacies.
Smoked hams, imported sardines,
fresh pineapple...
And without any charge at all.
That doesn't make sense. He's a
businessman, he must have some reason.
Good night, children.
More bridge tonight, Mother?
Don't the ladies ever get tired
of playing cards?
Oh, you don't ever get tired
of anything you really enjoy.
You look absolutely lovely, Mother.
- The hat's so becoming.
- Oh, thank you.
It's one I've had for years.
The milliner suggested a touch of color.
It's a crime to waste it on
a lot of women.
Now son!
Oh, by the way, I may be a little
later than usual tonight.
That's alright, Mother,
you're a big girl.
And we trust you.
You won't be able to hop it up much.
It's an old trade.
It'll never be able to do better
than a hundred.
Oh, the Charleston's easy.
I learned it in one lesson.
- Oh, I'm sorry, mister.
- Oh, that's perfectly alright, my boy.
- How many, sir?
- Two.
- Two.
- Love seats.
Love seats.
Thank you.
Sherman, Vandenberg, Bradley
represent Armed Forces unification...
with Navy Sherman and Air Forces
Vandenberg...
...collaborating at a Fort Benning,
Georgia revue.
Nothing is held back in this simulation
of actual warfare.
- Honey, relax, what's the matter?
- Jimmy, I've got to go home.
Bazookas take over!
Machine g*ns!
The infantry goes all out for unified
defense of the nation!
Good night, Jimmy.
I have a right to know what's going on
leaving a show right in the middle.
Jimmy, please don't be difficult
at a time like this.
What am I going to tell my folks
coming home at 10 o'clock?
They'll think I'm sick.
Cathy, we swore we'd be honest
with each other.
- If there's anyone else...
- Jimmy, I love you more than...
I'll call you up and tell you
about it tomorrow.
Mother, Father, come down
here right away!
Cathy, if anyone had ever told me I'd be
waiting up with you for someone else...
I still can't believe it. Mother definitely
said she was going to play bridge.
The only hand Grandma was holding
tonight was Mr. Hammond's.
You should have seen them sitting
out there, and all those kids necking.
- It was shocking!
- What were you doing there, dear?
- Seeing the movie.
- Ha!
And besides, I'm at an age when
you're expected to do those things.
Hal, let's go to bed.
We're all taking this too seriously.
Oh, it's very well for you
to be casual.
It happens to be my mother!
Mother!
Oh, you're up.
Cathy come in late again?
Grandma, it is not me!
Well who is it then?
Mother, Cathy tells me you were
at the picture show.
- With Mr. Hammond.
- Holding hands in the love seats.
I saw it with my own eyes.
I didn't think you and Jimmy
had a chance to see much of anything.
Mother, have you been
playing bridge...
...any of these nights?
No, son. I've been seeing
a good deal of Mr. Hammond.
Well, don't you think you might
have told us?
She's ashamed because he's
a grocer.
Cathy, don't you ever say
that again!
The reason I didn't tell you, dear, is that
I wanted to be absolutely sure first.
Sure? Of what?
Well, Mr. Hammond is rather impulsive.
The second time we went out
he proposed.
But I insisted that we get to know
each other better.
You do now, I take it.
He's a fine man.
I know you're going to like him.
Even though he's quite different
from your father.
He's... well, he's...
I thought Father was a rather
fine figure of a man!
- And so did you at one time.
- Oh, we all did, really, Hal.
Perhaps I put it badly, son.
It's just that Mr. Hammond is more...
...dashing.
- More of an adventurer.
- I think this is shocking!
- Cathy, go to your room!
- If I were running this house!
Just shocking!
I hate it to deceive you children,
but... well...
Perhaps I was afraid.
Sometimes young people find
it difficult...
...to understand when their parents
fall in love.
Oh, but Mother, I...
Well, I've never met Mr. Hammond!
We'll have him over to dinner, Mother,
whenever you say.
Oh, sure. We'll make it a big evening.
Oh, you're very sweet children,
thank you.
Good night.
I'm sorry I worried you. If I'd known,
I wouldn't have stayed out so late.
Where were you, Mother? The movies
let out at midnight, it's after one now.
We parked, son.
How can Mother even consider marrying
this... this grocer after a man like Dad?
But Hal, Mr. Hammond's a very
charming man.
I've been doing business with
him for years.
- Oh, so you're on Mother's side.
- I'm not on anyone's side.
Your mother's entitled to a life
of her own.
You don't find men like David
Norton anymore.
Meg, you never really knew Dad.
You never played baseball with him.
I never played baseball with him
but I was very fond of him.
- This is all our fault.
- Oh now, Hal!
We weren't satisfied. We laid down the law
to Mother about making a new life.
We drove her right into the arms of the
first grocer who came along.
Hal, did it ever occur to you that
your mother was lonely?
She was looking for companionship.
She's been a widow for over ten years.
Why did she suddenly become lonely now?
You just can't get used to the idea
of your mother getting married, can you?
Meg, I have a responsibility here.
Mother has a comfortable income.
She's just at the age to be an easy prey for
the first fortune-hunter who comes along.
Hal, you don't believe a word
you're saying.
I certainly do!
- What's so funny?
- I've never seen you in short pants before.
Chris, move over.
Have a fight with Mom, Dad?
Son, as you grow older you'll discover
that certain women...
...have a peculiar sense of humor.
Now go to sleep.
Hmm... just modern enough
to be interesting...
...and not so modern that it's
scaresome. Very impressive.
Exactly what the Northeastern
Mutual people think they want.
When you draw up the plans,
ignore the model completely.
Fortunately no one in the insurance
business knows how to read blueprints.
We'll build it our way and they'll like it.
They always have.
What's ailing you? You haven't heard
a word I've said to you for the past week.
- You're a million miles away.
- I heard every word you said, Mr. Burnside.
What's the matter?
Meg spending too much money?
- No, it's not Meg.
- Well, you're stewing about something.
It's just a little romantic trouble
at home.
Your daughter, eh?
How old is Cathy now?
- Seventeen, but...
- That's the age.
Going with some fellow you don't
approve of, eh?
Mr. Burnside, I don't think I ought
to burden you with a family problem.
Nonsense. I have the advantage
of not having a family.
Permits me a clear perspective in
this sort of thing.
The answer is simple.
Get the girl away from this fellow.
Send her on a trip somewhere.
She's old enough.
She's old enough, but I don't think
it would work.
Mr. Burnside, I think we ought to get
back to the plans.
Ta-ta...
- Miss Cartwright.
- Yes, sir?
Call Northeastern Mutual.
Tell them there's been a delay.
They won't have the plans till
the first of the week.
But why not? We can easily
finish by tomorrow.
Your mind's not here, it's back
at the house. Now go home.
Get this family affair straightened
out over the weekend...
...and we'll start fresh on Monday.
- But this is a rush job.
- I'll handle Northeastern. Now b*at it.
You're the boss.
And remember, be firm.
Hello, anybody home?
Better hang your hat and coat up.
What's going on here?
Haven't you heard? Winston Churchill's
coming to dinner.
Couldn't be making as much fuss
over anyone else.
Stop it, Gladys.
Darling, Mr. Hammond's coming
to dinner.
Mr. Hammond is not due until
Sunday afternoon.
Oh, he had to change his plans.
He can't make it Sunday.
He's expecting a shipment of quail
and pheasant from Canada.
So we have to turn our lives
upside down.
Hal, I'm relying on you to be pleasant.
I'll be overwhelmingly pleasant.
I've studied up on vegetables...
...so we'll have a lot to talk about.
- Oh...
- Hal!
You came home early, how nice.
Oh, it's just beautiful, absolutely perfect.
I wouldn't change a thing.
Meg, this is ordinary pepper.
Mr. Hammond says for proper seasoning
you must use freshly-ground pepper.
I'll help Gladys find the pepper mill.
So, now that you're home early,
you'll have time to dress.
What do you mean dress?
I am dressed.
Put on a dark suit, dear.
We all want to make the right impression
on Mr. Hammond, don't we?
Yes, Mother.
Gee, Dad, do we have to dress
for dinner?
Come along, son.
Seems kind of funny Grandma
having a boyfriend.
There's nothing funny about it.
You should have the kids in the block when
I told them about Grandma and Mr. Hammond.
We all went down to congratulate him
and got free bubble gums.
Son, before this evening is over...
...your friends may have to go back
to paying for their bubble gum.
Change your clothes.
Hi, Dad!
Tell Mom Jimmy's staying
for dinner.
- Jimmy can't stay for dinner tonight.
- Not so loud, he'll hear you.
Good evening, Mr. Norton.
Jimmy, you know we like having you
for dinner, you're here every night.
But would you excuse us
just this once?
But Mr. Norton, Cathy and I have got
to get our debate paper finished.
It's a big subject.
"Adolescence and the Atomic Age"
I appreciate the bigness of the subject.
I'd have invited Cathy to my house,
but my mother's having a bridge party.
Now look...
- Company?
- Yes.
Oh, you don't have to worry about me.
I won't be in the way.
I've got more research to do
than Einstein.
- Good evening, sir.
- Good evening, Gladys.
I guess I'm not used to seeing you
at the front door.
- You look nice, though.
- Thank you.
- Mr. Hammond, I'm Hal Norton.
- How do you do?
I've been looking forward to the pleasure
of meeting you for some time.
Well... I've been looking forward
to meeting you.
The uh... family isn't down yet.
Could I get you a drink?
Please.
You know, some people consider
drinking a vice.
But in these times I think most of us
feel the need of a little something...
...to relieve the strain and
warm the heart.
- Yes...
- Scotch, if you have it.
- Soda or water?
- Oh, straight, please, if you don't mind.
One shouldn't dilute the flavor
of scotch, especially if it's good scotch.
This happens to be 12-year-old.
Splendid.
Thank you.
To your mother.
To Mother.
So you're expecting a shipment
of pheasant and quail on Monday.
Yes, they're being flown in.
I'm hoping to build up a trade
in game birds.
I...
Oh, but I... I don't think this is
quite the night to talk shop.
No... Mr. Hammond, I understand that
you and my mother have a...
A deep, personal attachment.
Yes, well...
Most of the members of my family,
my wife and children seem to know
a great deal about you but, uh...
I personally...
If there's anything you're
curious about, just ask.
- I have several questions of my own.
- You have?
Naturally. I'm marrying a woman
with children.
Mr. Hammond, we have no intention
of living with you and Mother.
Oh, I realize that, but one
must be careful.
I had a friend in the wholesale
fruit business...
A bachelor of Saxby, inexperienced
in these matters.
Poor man! After his marriage
he found he was constantly...
...burdened with his wife's children.
Emotionally and financially.
Mr. Hammond, I've been working for the
same firm for more than ten years...
...at a very comfortable salary.
I'm sleighted for a vice presidency.
If you like, I'll be happy
to furnish a financial statement.
Oh, nothing like that will
be necessary.
I was merely pointing out the
element of risk.
Well, if you feel the risk is
too great...
Mr. Norton, will you listen to this?
All the way back in 1503, Leonardo da
Vinci predicted the smashing of the atom...
or something like it, I...
- Oh, excuse me.
- This is a friend of my daughter's.
- Jimmy Blake.
- Oh.
Seems to me I remember your name
from somewhere.
Of course! You're the editor
of the high-school paper.
- For two terms.
- I'm one of your advertisers.
Fine paper.
You read it, of course.
Well, I'm a few issues behind.
Jimmy, Mr. Hammond and I have
some things to discuss.
No, no, we'll have plenty of
time for that.
One mustn't lose touch with youth.
These high-school papers are the
voice of tomorrow.
Oh, by the way, young Blake,
there's an editorial of yours
I found rather controversial.
- I was thinking of writing you about it.
- Which one?
I believe it was called "Modern Women".
"They Can Go Too Far."
- You didn't miss it, Mr. Norton?
- I'm afraid I did.
Every word in that editorial
is based on fact.
Why, before I wrote it I spent a full
hour and a half in the public library.
One doesn't learn about women from
the public library, does one, Mr. Norton?
It's the hard way.
- Now, Jimmy...
- But what I said about women holds good.
In ancient times she held
a real position in society.
She tended the goats,
then raised the flocks.
But today, today she's absolutely
purposeless.
This sounds to me like the talk of a young
man who isn't too successful with women.
Oh, I do alright. Why, there isn't
a girl in school...
- Jimmy!
- ...that haven't been out with. Yes, Mr. Norton?
Nothing... Let me pour you a glass
of ginger ale.
Henry.
- Louisa!
- Why didn't someone tell me you were here?
You're a vision.
A cameo of loveliness.
You're so kind, Henry.
- Do you really like the dress?
- Yes!
I added the lace myself.
An exquisite touch.
- Exquisite!
- Thank you.
- These are for you, my dear.
- Oh, Henry.
Oh, you shouldn't have.
Tea roses. My very favorite.
- How did you know?
- When two people are as deeply attuned...
- And what lovely candy.
- A touch of sweetness...
...where none is needed.
Would you like a little sherry,
Mother?
Er, not quite a full glass, son.
Well, Henry, what do you think
of my Harold?
He's all the things you said,
Louisa, and more.
Warm, charming, gracious.
Harold was always a wonderful boy.
Mr. Norton used to worry that
he was too good.
Louisa, he used to say to me,
it isn't natural. Some fine day
that boy's going to run hog wild.
- Mother.
- But he never did.
I don't think we should bore
Mr. Hammond with family history.
- Oh, but I'm interested.
- So am I!
I don't want you to get the impression
that Harold was a mollycoddle.
Oh, he used to get into all sorts
of mischief and fights.
He came home from school with
his nose bloody every day.
- Didn't you ever win a fight?
- I won a great many!
That reminds me. Harold, where
is the family album?
- The album?
- We have some very cute...
...baby pictures of Harold with
his wonders a trifle embarrassing.
- Well, they're all grown up.
- I'd like to see it.
The album's around here somewhere.
I'll find it.
- Mother...
- Mr. Hammond, I'm sorry I'm late.
- Dinner is served.
- Oh... shall we?
A propos, in mixing a salad, there's
an old English verse...
...which says, "A miser with the vinegar,
a spendthrift with the oil...
a wise man with the salt...
judicious with the pepper...
...a madcap with the mixing.
Ah... and now we have the final filip.
To most people, the marigold
is an ordinary flower...
...which you will find in anybody's
backyard.
But the taste... ah, that's something
else again.
Mark you, it must be used sparingly.
Yes, some epicures get carried away.
They forget they're making a salad...
...not planting a garden.
There.
You know, he's kind of cute.
And kinda corny.
Louisa.
For you, my dear.
Thank you, Henry. It's the most beautiful
salad I've ever seen.
And for the equally lovely young
Mrs. Norton...
Now, Gladys...
Will you please serve the others?
Oh, it's not going to sprout.
Henry, you do everything so well.
This is what I've missed for
so many years, Louisa.
Having someone to care for, someone
with whom to share the good things of life.
Dad, do I have to eat the flowers?
You're on your own, son.
This is Mr. Hammond's evening.
- Hm, it's delicious!
- The most wonderful salad I've ever tasted.
It's simply divine!
It's good!
Thank you.
Now you know why I became
a grocer.
To bring that extra special taste
sensation to the palate.
Henry considers himself an
adventurer of the senses.
When I first shipped out to the sea
when in the British Navy...
I was accostumed to the usual
British fare.
Roast beef and badly cooked
vegetables.
And then in my travels, I discovered
the food wonders of the world.
Ajinomoto, from Japan,
pomelo and poppy seeds from India,
rijsttafel from Borneo,
baby octopus.
You mean you actually ate
an octopus?
Yes, there's nothing like it.
One doesn't eat the tentacles, no.
Just the delicious meat around
the heart.
People in Pleasantville just eat steaks
and chops and things like that.
Mr. Hammond has a very poor
opinion about them.
Well, that's because they haven't had
a chance to learn from Mr. Hammond.
Mr. Hammond, were you really
in the British Navy?
Yes, indeed.
I first shipped out in His Majesty's ship
Portsmouth in let me see...
1897. No... no, no, no,
99.
I ran away to sea at thirteen.
Was it a sailing ship?
No, not the Portsmouth. But I did work
the whaling fleet some time.
After your grandmother and I get
back from our honeymoon,
I can see we're going to have some
good talks about sailing ships, matey.
Gee, Mr. Hammond, you'll make
a swell Grandpa.
Why, Henry, I haven't said yes yet.
My dear, we haven't all the time
in the world.
You should come to a decision.
Well...
Gladys, the doorbell.
Oh!
Good evening, Mr. Norton at home?
Yes, through the hall, inside
in the dining room.
Excuse me, I don't want to
miss anything.
What do you say, Louisa?
Well, who is it, Gladys?
To tell you the truth, ma'am,
I didn't ask.
Mr. Burnside!
What a pleasant surprise, Mr. Burnisde.
How are you?
- Just fine, Meg, and you?
- Fine.
More beautiful than ever, I see.
Harold, I hate to break in on a family
dinner but I had to drive up.
Northeastern Mutual insist upon having
the housing plans by Monday.
I couldn't talk them out of it.
I knew it. Well, we'd better go
into the study.
Oh, there's not that much rush.
Finish your dinner first.
Well, Cathy, you're a real young
lady now, eh?
Mr. Burnside, I'd like you to meet
a friend of mine, Jimmy Blake.
How do you do, young man?
Mr. Norton and I have had quite
a talk about you just today.
- Mr. Burnside, this is Mr. Hammond.
- How do you do?
Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I forgot.
You don't know my mother.
I've never had the pleasure.
I've only come to live with Harold
very recently.
If I'd known I'd been up here
long before this.
Now I can see where your son
gets his good looks.
Oh, thank you.
Mr. Burnside, will you have some
dessert and coffee with us?
Just some coffee, thank you.
A little brandy, if you have it.
I'll get the brandy.
Harold does nothing but speak of you,
Mr. Burnside. How wonderful you've been.
Now, now, now, everything I've done
for Harold he's deserved.
I've had a great many people
work for me.
but never anyone as consciencious,
as honest, as talented as Howard.
Spring is in the air.
Of course there may be a little
difficulty about the vice presidency.
The board may object to
Harold's youth.
But don't you worry,
I'll fight it through.
Hal, your uncle's got a bad cold.
I'm not anyone's uncle.
I'm a friend of Mrs. Norton's.
- A very dear friend.
- Excuse me.
Say, that's good brandy.
It was a gift from Mr. Hammond.
- Tell me, Hammond, what line are you in?
- I run a grocery store.
- Just one?
- Just one.
I suppose the grocery trade
is as good as any.
There may not be a great
deal of money in it...
- ... but people have to eat.
- It's more than that with Mr. Hammond.
- He's an adventurer of the senses.
- Sort of a... poet with pot roast.
Mr. Burnside,
some time ago I completed a statistical
survey of the average business tycoon.
By and large, I found him dyspeptic,
ulcerous, and thoroughly miserable...
- ...to himself and everyone around him.
- Henry!
I'm sorry to disappoint Mr. Hammond,
but I don't fit his survey.
Good digestion, blood pressure
of a boy of thirty,
happy, and I think my employees
are pretty fond of me, eh, Hal?
There's no one I'd rather work for.
Would you say that if you weren't
on his payroll?
- Yes, I would!
- Oh, please, please.
Henry, I've never seen you behave
this way before.
Mr. Burnside...
Delicate old lavender.
Not like the vulgar, overpowering
perfumes of today.
- Thank you
- If you'll excuse me,
I have some accounts to go over
at the store.
Thank you for a very lovely dinner.
Good night... everyone!
Why...
- Henry!
- No!
Henry!
Henry, I'm surprised at you!
You were very rude.
How do you think I felt watching you
lead Mr. Burnside on?
- Henry!
- Flirting shamelessly before my very eyes.
I was simply being courteous to
Harold's employer.
Don't tell me you didn't enjoy
his attentions.
Dropping your handkerchief coyly
like a schoolgirl.
That trick's a bit dated, Louisa.
You're being very insulting, Henry!
Well, perhaps it's better that I
found out now.
I wouldn't care for a wife I'd have
to keep a constant watch on.
Henry Hammond, you'll do me the favor
of never speaking to me again!
I'm glad I too found out in time.
Louisa, please!
I'm sorry!
I'm a jealous fool!
- Mr. Hammond...
- Meg.
Hal and I just came up with
a practical idea.
Instead of sitting up half the night
working, I'll stay over the weekend.
In that way we can get everything
done without pressing.
Oh, but Mr. Burnside, we don't have
a guest room.
That will come with the vice presidency.
I'm sure you can put me up somewhere.
I'm not too finnicky.
Chris can sleep over at Tommy's.
He's done it before.
- If the little fella wouldn't mind too much.
- Ahh!
Oh, he won't mind, Mr. Burnside.
Chris is just like his father.
Easily moved around.
Hal, I never realized it until now.
But I think I miss something.
Not having a family.
In a recent magazine article,
Professor Albert Einstein stated...
"In these first years of the atomic era,
another phenomenon is to be noted.
The public having been warned of the
consequences of atomic warfare,
has done nothing about it...
and to a large extent has dismissed
the warning from its conscience."
You know, I recognize Professor Einstein
as a very great man.
Yet, I must disagree with him.
He's completely disregarded
our generation.
Oh, Jimmy, that's so impressive.
It is, isn't it?
But... somehow, the atom b*mb
doesn't seem so important.
And you're so intellectual too.
A man doesn't have to be narrow.
When I think of all the crushes
I've had.
On Rick Harris, Dave Williams
and Red Christy.
All football players with nothing
but muscles.
I guess it's because I matured
so young.
Most people think that maturity comes
with age, but it doesn't.
Look at what happened tonight.
What?
The way the old folks were acting.
Like lovesick kids and your father
not knowing what to make of it.
I suppose your family is
more mature?
Well, they don't carry on like that.
My father isn't the brightest
man in the world,
but he wouldn't let anything silly
as that throw him.
Go ahead and say it.
My father is stupid.
Oh, Cathy, we have to be objective,
even with our families.
We've got to see our parents
the way they are.
Not the way we like them to be.
I like your father as a man,
but remember...
it's his generation that got
the world in the shape it's in.
Well, I don't like anyone making cracks
about my family.
They're just as good as
anyone else's.
Better!
Still an adolescent.
I want four complete changes of
wardrobe including my dinner jacket.
I know it's for only for one weekend.
Will you stop asking questions,
Miss Cartwright?
You're my secretary, not my mother.
Oh, yes. On your way up
here tomorrow...
...stop at Cartier. Pick out
a small brooch.
Something very simple and dignified.
With an "L" in the center...
...for Louisa.
Mother.
Mother!
Cathy, will you please keep your
voice down? You're not debating.
Mother, do you realize that I've been
trying to use...
...the phone since 9 o'clock
this morning?
So have I, dear.
Well, why don't you do something
about it? It's your house.
We'll have a switchboard installed
tomorrow.
- Cathy!
- Just listen!
- Henry, there's no use trying
to explain. -
It's too late.
They just talk, talk, talk.
And every time Grandma hangs up
on him he calls right back.
It's awful.
I don't even know whether Jimmy's
called up to apologize or not.
Well, you'll just have to be patient
and bear the suspense.
You take Grandma's love life
very seriously.
- But nobody pays any attention to mine.
- Now Cathy, stop it!
The Country Club dance is tonight
and I've got a million things to do.
Won't you please ask Grandma not
to use the phone for just a half hour?
I will not. Goodbye, dear.
- Dad, I think I left my book in here.
- Well, find it quickly, please.
- Cathy, is your grandmother down yet?
- No, she isn't, Mr. Burnside.
A subterraneum garage will give us enough
ground space for a swimming-pool...
...and a children's playground at no
extra cost per unit.
Does she usually come down
this late?
Sometimes, sometimes not.
This makes it one of the most attractive
housing projects in the country.
She's well, isn't she?
Perfectly.
Cathy, will you please decide
which book is yours,
or don't you remember what
you were reading?
It doesn't matter.
Any book will do now.
I always associated books
with Jimmy.
Oh, Cathy, we're busy. You convinced us
you were heartbroken at breakfast.
Excuse me for disturbing you.
There's one thing about my family.
Nobody believes in being unhappy
unless everyone knows it.
You should be a little more
tolerant, Hal.
Remember, you were young
yourself once.
Your mother will be down to
lunch, won't she?
Yes, Mr. Burnside.
Now, as I was saying, by putting in a
subterraneum garage here, this new space...
- ...capacity crowd will be packing the
Yankee Stadium this afternoon. -
- With the season only three weeks old,
here in New York... -
- ...the experts are again touting
the Bronx Bombers for another pennant. -
Chris!
If you want to listen to that
thing, go upstairs.
- At any rate, the Athletics are
here in town. -
I promised Chris I'd take him to the
baseball game this afternoon.
He's peeved because I can't go. This is a
subtle way of letting me know.
These kids of today are pretty
rugged individualists.
I live in a house full of rugged
individualists.
Excuse my disturbing you.
- I believe I left my sewing.
- Mother, it couldn't possibly be in here.
Here it is.
I hope you slept well, Mrs. Norton.
As well as to be expected.
- Sorry, I won't interrupt again.
- It will be a pleasure.
As I was saying...
the space we'll save by putting in
a subterraneum garage...
It's a fine idea.
- What is a fine idea?
- Whatever you were saying is a fine idea.
Mr. Burnside, perhaps we'd do better...
...if we went back to the city
and worked at the office.
Nonsense, we're making great progress.
Mr. Burnside, there are so many
distractions. I really think...
I'm having no trouble concentrating.
Go on.
Dad, I gotta use the dictionary.
You couldn't find any other
time but this.
What are you looking up that's
so important?
Prevaricator. One who lies,
who does not tell the truth.
One who makes a promise and does
not keep it.
Can be either male or female.
Very clever, Chris.
Now go to your room.
- Yes, sir.
- Hal, if you ask me,
I think Chris has a point.
There's no work in the world more
important than a good baseball game.
Mr. Burnside, Chris has to learn that
he can't always have his own way.
There's plenty of time for him to learn
that when he grows up.
Now, you take Chris to the game.
If the Northeastern people make a fuss,
I'll tell them you're tied up on the
Yankee's Athletics project.
Now don't stand there.
The game starts at two.
But Mr. Burnside, I only have
two tickets.
Don't you worry about me.
I'll keep occupied.
Gee, thanks, Mr. Burnside.
Come on, Dad, I brought your coat
and my jacket downstairs just in case.
I'll see you at dinner.
Mr. Burnside, I thought you wanted
to see the Country Club.
- You drove right past it.
- Did I?
Well, a drive in the country will do us
much more good.
Oh, really, I don't feel in the mood
for a drive, not today.
Louisa, when I first set eyes
on you last night, I said to myself...
Now there's a girl who doesn't
need makeup.
She has roses on her cheeks.
You've got to bring those
roses back.
I do look a little pale, don't I?
All this fuss with Henry has
been terribly...
No, no, let's forget all about
Henry Hammond.
I'll make a bargain with you.
I won't mention him if you won't.
I really think we ought to turn back.
Henry may call and...
You're not keeping your part
of the bargain.
Mr. Burnside, do you always drive this fast?
I bought my first car in 1905 and
I got my first ticket the same day.
Nobody knew whether 20 mph
was illegal or not.
But I was arrested for disturbing the
peace and scaring the horses.
It's always been my motto.
Disturb the peace if you have to...
...but get where you're going.
I was a bit daring myself when
I was younger.
I'm sure you were lovely enough
to get away with anything.
It doesn't sound like much now, but I
smoked a cigarette way back in 1915.
No!
You should have seen Mr. Norton's face.
Louisa, he said to me,
I thought I married a lady.
David, I said to him, I thought
you married me.
I thought you married m...
Louisa, you are wonderful!
Please, Mr. Burnside, not so fast.
Don't worry, Louisa, we can do 100
without a bit of trouble.
Please, Abel, slow down
just a little.
I deeply apologize for being
in your way, hot rod.
- Were you in a hurry?
- Just give me the ticket, officer...
I'm in no mood for conversation.
Abel, I ought to be very angry
with you.
- Why?
- Making Gladys go to all the trouble...
...of preparing a picnic lunch and not
saying one word to me about it.
Gladys insisted on doing it.
After you gave her twenty dollars.
Louisa, I've never had more
fun in my life.
I shall remember this afternoon always.
- And I hope you will too.
- It's been very pleasant.
Louisa, I was wondering
if you would accept this.
- Oh!
- As a remembrance of today.
Abel, it's very beautiful.
But I couldn't accept anything
so expensive.
Now, now, now, it's only value
is a sentimental one.
It belonged to my mother.
Her name was Lottie.
I don't think it would be right for me
to accept a gift from another man.
No matter how small, I'm still practically
engaged to Mr. Hammond.
- Louisa, may I speak frankly?
- Of course.
Well, since you brought up Henry Hammond,
I think we should discuss him.
Tell me, before you met him, how long
was it since you had a date?
Well, about forty years.
Your children were not as attentive
as they should be?
Oh, they have their own lives
to lead, I couldn't...
- You were lonely?
- Yes.
Well, don't you see, it all adds up.
You were lonely, you were unhappy,
you hadn't had a date in forty years.
You were bound to fall for the first
man who came along.
- But I'm very fond of Mr. Hammond.
- Only because there was no one else around.
Louisa, I'm speaking to you
as a friend.
I want you to wait, for your own sake.
Go out with other men.
Play the field.
And then make up your mind.
I didn't quite see it that way.
And I want you to wear this.
It would make my mother
very happy.
Abel, aren't those water lilies beautiful?
I'll get you some.
Oh, no, you mustn't!
- It isn't allowed.
- Nonsense.
They'll look much lovelier in your arms than
they do floating around on that water.
They are lovely.
Oh, Abel.
- Now be careful.
- Just a few more.
What do you think you're
doing, Grandpa?
Well, I...
What does it look like I'm doing?
Picking flowers on public property
is against the law.
But officer, he didn't know.
At his age he ought to know.
If I wasn't afraid you'd catch
your death of cold, I'd run you in.
I feel perfectly fine.
Ma'am, you'd better bundle the
old boy up and take him home.
I'm saving you a 10 dollar
fine, Grandpa.
Thank you, officer.
Here's your fine.
And ten more to get your
clothes pressed.
- For you, Louisa.
- Thank you.
I think we'd better get out
of here.
Why can't this be a plain, ordinary
Country Club dance?
Why do I have to wear a getup
like this?
Hal, everybody's square-dancing these days.
Besides, you hate formal clothes.
You complain about the collars.
Well, there must be some middle ground
between getting all starched up...
- ...and wearing something that itches.
- Now stop it, darling.
Remember, you're the
chairwoman's husband.
That means I'm entitled to scratch
twice as much.
Cathy, we're late... now!
It's going to be a perfectly rotten
evening, I can just feel it.
Cathy, there are other boys
in this world besides Jimmy.
We're sitting with the Stewarts
and they're bringing Bob.
It's exactly what I mean.
Mother, the Stewarts may be
very good friends of yours...
...but their son is a bad piece of
arrested development.
Hal, what are you waiting for?
- Mother.
- She's not going to the dance.
She told me this morning she had
a headache and didn't feel up to it.
Things have changed since
this morning.
Hold on, don't leave without us.
I'm warning you, we're going
to walk off with all the prizes.
I bet he will.
# Swing your partners high and low #
# Come on boys, don't be slow #
# Alabama clap with two left hands #
# That's right, dear honey #
# Go right, left turn #
# Hand up, hand up on the top #
# Make your feet go click, click, click #
# Swing your partners high and low #
# Come on boys, don't be slow #
# Alabama clap with two left hands #
# That's right, dear honey #
# Go right, left turn #
# Hands up, hands up on the top #
# Make your feet go clickety clack #
# Get your woman and give her the swing #
# Promenade home with a beautiful thing #
# Where the roosters crow #
# and the wild birds grow #
# Promenade that pretty girl home #
# All couples balance and bounce #
Say, your mother and Burnside
are the center of attraction.
The best couple in the floor.
They're just older. Had more
experience square dancing.
Hal, don't take it away from them.
They're cute.
I wish I had their youth.
# ...your hands a trifle apart #
# Circle full and tap around #
# It's inside out, you're homeward bound #
# Birdie in the cage #
# And the toadling too #
# Now circle in six like you always do #
# Set a couple of swings in a six and ring #
# The square dance of the Highland plane #
# Swing that girl across the hall #
If I didn't know it was your mother,
I'd swear Burnside was romanticly inclined.
- Might seize that vice presidency.
- That's very funny, Stewart.
What did you expect people
to think?
I told you before. I had nothing
to do with this.
I went to a baseball game.
Mr. Burnside pitched from there.
# Clap your hands, clap your knees #
- Upsy-daisy, if you please #
- Grandma, please!
- Darling, don't be so old-fashioned.
# Twist and turn, over and back #
# Second and fourth arm through #
# First and third to the oposite #
# Lady with the left hand down #
# Partner left as she comes down #
# All four corners with the right hand down #
# Go back to your honey #
# With a left-hand round #
# Promenade the corners as she comes down #
# Promenade around that ring #
# Two-by-two with the dear little thing #
# Twist and turn, over and back #
# Second and fourth arm through #
# ...to the oposite lady #
# With the right hand down #
How do you like being left
out in the cold?
Hm?
Irritated.
How do you like it?
Oh... I wasn't in the mood for
dancing and...
- Cathy and I had a fight.
- Oh.
You know, women aren't
very logical.
Young man, that's what I tried to
explain to you about your editorial.
Oh, it's a curse being intellectual.
Look at Cathy! Actually cuddling
with that... drip.
He reads comic books.
Hmm... Mrs. Norton is equally
captivated with that tycoon.
Yeah, he's certainly giving
her a whirl.
Blake, no one ever accomplished anything
on the outside looking in.
Shall we join the ladies?
# Back to your honey #
# With the left hand down #
# Promenade the corner when she comes down #
# Promenade you know where #
# Take that gal to an easy chair #
Keeno!
I don't know when I've enjoyed
dancing so much.
Louisa, I didn't believe any woman in
the world could be so light on her feet.
Oh, Abel.
Where does he get that line?
If you ask me, they're both
being exhibitionists.
You were wonderful, Mrs. Norton.
Oh, thank you.
Good evening, Louisa.
Good evening, Henry.
- Hi, Cathy.
- Hi.
Well, aren't you going to invite
us to sit down?
Mr. Hammond and I forgot to
get up a table.
Oh, yes, of course, please join us.
Thank you.
Sure, pull up some chairs.
This is Jimmy Blake.
You all know Mr. Hammond.
Louisa, I called you several times
this afternoon. You were not at home.
I was showing Mr. Burnside some
of the sights of Pleasantville.
Too bad you couldn't have
been with us.
- We had a fine time.
- Counting money?
Oh, speaking of money, the dance
is a great success.
We've taken in over $1.300 for
the day nursery.
That's splendid.
Uh, tell me, Mr. Burnside,
after what you're accostumed to,
don't you find our suburban festivities
just a bit rustic?
It's as pleasant a gathering
as I've ever attended.
Or was, until a few minutes ago.
Intruders are a curse we all
have to bear.
How about some drinks?
Lil? d*ck?
- How about you, Mr. Burnside?
- We have ours.
- To you, Louisa.
- Oh!
Well, Bob, how are the
new comics?
Drop dead!
Jimmy, won't you have a root beer
or something?
No, thanks.
You might have answered the phone
this afternoon.
I didn't happen to be in the mood.
A girl's entitled not to answer the
phone if she doesn't want to.
- Yeah, you ought to know.
- Why don't you get lost?
Are you sure someone won't
have a drink?
I'm gonna have a drink.
Waiter.
Louisa, I'd like to speak
to you... alone.
Not now, Henry. I'm here
with Mr. Burnside.
The young man had a very
good idea.
Why don't you get lost?
As usual, Mr. Burnside, you're displaying
your complete lack of manners.
Hammond, I take that as
an insult!
- That's precisely the way I meant it.
- Oh, please! Please... please...
Mr. Hammond, shall we?
Dad, please.
Louisa.
Now that we have you all out on the floor,
we are ready for our contests.
First, an under-the-bar dance.
Remember, couples must dance
together at all times...
...and if you knock down the bar,
you will be eliminated.
How far do they lower that bar?
Not very far. Never more than two
or three feet from the floor.
No, it's fun, Dad, really.
- Well, Mrs. Norton?
- I'm game.
Abel, this isn't for us.
Anything anyone else here
can do, we can do.
- Oh, Dad, why didn't you duck in time?
- I'm sorry, Cathy, I have a tall head.
Oh, it was my fault, Mr. Hammond.
I was careless, I...
Well, accidents will happen, Mrs. Norton.
It doesn't matter...
...very much.
Inhale.
Am I through?
We'll never make it.
Drop out.
This is outrageous!
Everyone's quitting!
They're just afraid if the old fool goes
around again, he'll collapse
The winners of the under-the-bar dance,
Mrs. Louisa Norton and Mr. Abel Burnside.
Thank you, thank you very much!
It's the first time I ever won
a prize for anything.
The important thing is we won
it together.
Things are going swimmingly,
aren't they?
Meg, at this stage of the game I don't
care whom my mother marries.
Just let her make up her mind,
then we can all relax.
How many of you gentlemen feel strong?
Our next contest, Indian wrestling.
You dreamed this one up.
Is this a dance or a track meet?
Shhh! I thought it would be nice
for the young people.
We have to consider them too.
Well, why don't you two
get it over with?
Ma, that's kid stuff.
That's the first grown-up thing
you've ever said.
I would like to wrestle Mr. Burnside.
If he'll accept the challenge.
I've never yet failed to meet
a challenge.
I'll be back very quickly.
- Hal, why don't you stop them?
- I will not.
You men know the rules?
Take your positions.
One, two, three, go!
Come on, Mr. Hammond, come on!
Mr. Hammond, hang on!
Pull back, pull back!
You got him, you got him!
Don't give up, Mr. Hammond,
don't give up!
Pull him the other way now...
pull him the other way!
Up, Mr. Hammond, pull him,
pull him!
The winner, Mr. Abel Burnside.
- Well, Louisa?
- You brute! You hurt him!
Henry, dear, are you alright?
Just a little sprain, Louisa.
Nothing very serious.
We'd better go right home
put some liniment on it.
I'll never forgive myself.
It was all my fault.
I'm going back to the city. Bring my things
to the office with you Monday.
But Mr. Burnside...
Well, you have nothing to worry
about now.
I've just said goodbye to the
vice presidency.
Meg, I won't be home for dinner. I have
to wait till Burnside shows up.
Your guess is as good as mine.
There's been no sign of him since
he left the dance Saturday night.
We've checked everywhere.
Oh, there's nothing to be
worried about.
I'll make it as early as possible.
Bye.
Do you want me to stay any
longer, Mr. Norton?
Oh, there's no point is our both
sweating it out.
- Good night, Miss Cartwright.
- Good night.
- Hal!
- Mr. Burnside, where have you been?
Never mind where I've been.
What happened?
Well, the Northeastern Insurance people have
been calling up every fifteen minutes.
The plans are finished but I couldn't
send them over without your okay.
I don't mean that!
What happened?
My mother is marrying Mr. Hammond
on Sunday.
You never should have thrown him
in the Indian wrestling.
Well, it's got to be stopped. I've got a
full report on our friend Mr. Hammond.
Listen to this.
Henry Hammond, born Liverpool,
England, 1883.
The first lie! Said he was 64.
He's 67!
- Where did you get this information?
- Where do you think?
I spent the last 48 hours with the best
detective agency money could buy.
Didn't get a wink of sleep all weekend.
Just to find out about
Mr. Hammond's age?
Wait till you hear the rest. Our friend
Hammond is quite a character.
Can't say I didn't suspect it
from the beginning.
Mr. Burnside, I don't know what
you found out about Mr. Hammond...
...but I don't want to get involved.
I have no right to meddle in
my mother's life.
What kind of a man are you?
Don't you love your mother?
Aren't you interested in her welfare?
Here, read it yourself!
- No, thank you.
- I don't like people who are stubborn.
Hal, I had great plans for you.
If you want a vice presidency...
Mr. Burnside, my business life is one
thing, my personal life is another.
- I won't be threatened.
- Hal, you're fired!
You're not serious.
I was never been more serious in my life.
If I weren't so tired,
I'd throw you out personally.
I've enjoyed working for the company.
Thank you, Mr. Burnside.
Here, I leave this with you.
Read it and find out what a fool
you really are.
Mother, you simply refuse
to make sense.
You're a grown woman. I don't
understand your attitude.
I won't read another word.
I just don't believe it.
There's no point in saying you don't believe
it. It's right here in black and white.
Someone has made a great mistake.
- Must be another Henry Hammond.
- Mother, this is not a coincidence.
There is no other grocer in Pleasantville
named Henry Hammond.
I'll get Henry on the phone.
He'll be able to explain.
I forbid you to speak to him.
Or ever to see him again.
I didn't realize how much you
disliked Mr. Hammond.
It isn't a question of liking
or disliking.
The last thing I want is to intefere
in your life.
But since you won't listen to reason,
there's nothing else I can do.
Son, I love Mr. Hammond.
When you love a man, you know him.
He never did anything bad
in his life.
That's the kind of logic I'd expect
from Cathy.
We plan to spend the rest of our
lives together.
Without Henry I don't know
what I'd do.
I'd just want to die.
Oh, Mother, please stop crying.
You should be grateful we
found out in time.
- Children, what is this?
- Dad's raising the roof with Grandma.
Will you please go to your rooms!
I don't like eavesdropping.
I just happened to be passing by.
Mother, what's the matter?
Nothing.
Nothing.
Hal, would you mind telling me
what this is about?
I will not have my mother married
to a bigamist.
That sounds sensible.
Bigamy to most people means
being married twice.
But not to Henry Hammond.
He's no piker.
- He has four wives.
- Hal, that's ridiculous.
You're as bad as Mother.
Here, read it yourself.
He was married four different times
in four different cities.
New York, Cleveland, Indianapolis
and Tallahassee, Florida.
He wasn't partial. He spread out
all over the country.
And there's no record of a
divorce anywhere.
- Where did you get this?
- Mr. Burnside had the brains to hire...
- ...a good detective agency.
- And you approved?
It's a darn good thing he did.
Hal, I didn't realize how much you
wanted that vice presidency.
Thank you. Thank you.
I wanted it so much I got fired for
refusing to even look at the report.
Hal, I'm sorry.
Before my mother's love life
burst into flower,
I was a simple, honest, hard-working
citizen...
with a job, a family I was proud of...
...and a wife who respected me.
Well, you can all go to blazes!
Going out, Dad?
Tell your mother I'm going
for a long walk!
I may not be back for two years!
What a family.
- Feel better?
- I don't know.
Hal, we're really in pretty
good shape.
If we let Gladys go and economize
on a few other things...
...like Chris and Cathy's tennis lessons,
we can easily get by for at least
six months.
- Our grocery bill will go up.
- Even with that...
Oh, forgive me, dear, I'm terribly sorry.
I should have known you better.
Why do wives always say I should have
known you better after it's all over?
Because I'm a shrew.
No, you're not.
I'm sure Mr. Burnside will change his mind
after all the fuss dies down.
Oh, no. There is no fury like a
discarded lover of sixty-five.
Particularly when it's Mr. Burnside.
Well, there are a lot of other jobs.
Your husband has some reputation
as an architect.
I hope.
We'll be able to get by and you
won't have to give up Gladys.
- You're just afraid of my cooking.
- Where are you going?
I think I ought to go in and see
how Mother is.
She was awfully broken up and I thought
it best to leave her alone for a while.
Mother.
Mother.
Mother.
Hal! Hal!
- What's the matter?
- Mother isn't here.
Well, when did she go out?
- I don't know.
I haven't seen her since she
left the study.
I have a pretty good idea
where she is.
What is Henry Hammond's number?
He lives over the store.
It's 20492.
I only hope it's not too late.
- His fifth wife!
- Darling, please calm down.
Mr. Hammond, I would like to speak
to my mother!
Who is this?
Oh, Mr. Norton, is something wrong?
Now look, Mr. Hammond, don't try
to bluff me.
I know my mother's with you,
she couldn't be anywhere else.
Mr. Norton, did something
happen to Louisa?
I'll dress and come right over.
There's no need for that.
Are you positive you haven't
seen her, or spoken to her?
Well, she probably went for a walk
or something by herself.
Yes, I'll keep you posted, goodbye.
She's not there.
Are you sure Mr. Hammond's
telling the truth?
He's just as worried as we are.
Maybe Grandma did what she said
she was gonna do.
And what is that?
Well, Grandma said without Mr. Hammond
she'd just wanna die.
Oh, that's ridiculous, Chris...
She was just using a figure of speech.
People say things like that just
to be dramatic.
They don't mean it.
Usually.
Operator? Get me the Police Department.
Hal, let's be sensible. We don't need
the police yet.
She did say it.
Hello, this is Harold Norton,
321, Harper Drive.
I want to report a missing person.
My mother. Mrs. Louisa Norton.
I thought I sent you to bed
over an hour ago.
I can't sleep, Dad.
I'm too worried.
Just thinking about Grandma running
away from home.
Jimmy, I know it's late, but we
need someone, please...
Cathy! Will you please get off
that phone?
Jimmy, you've just got to come over.
It's a very serious situation.
And they're all acting so childishly.
We need someone who's mature.
Cathy!
Please, Jimmy, I know it's late but you can
make up for sleep in Latin tomorrow.
Hurry!
- Yes, Dad?
- How can you tie up the phone...
...at a time like this?
Dad, you just called the police again
five minutes ago.
If they have anything to tell you,
they'll call you.
Just stay off the phone, that's all.
Well, frankly, I think you're making too
much of a fuss over this whole thing.
You've always had a tendency
towards melodrama.
Oh, Cathy, will you please shut up?
Mother!
Well, I still don't believe Grandma
would do anything foolish.
Cathy, you are seventeen years of age.
You have no idea of the behavior
of people in their sixties.
There are hundreds of statistics to prove
that they become despondent and then...
- Well...
- I may not know statistics...
...but I now Grandma.
Maybe we're on the wrong track.
Maybe Grandma was kidnapped.
- Like father, like son.
- Now, Cathy, look!
I thought some coffee might help.
- Ma, can I have some.
- No, Chris, you just drink your milk.
Here, this ought to make you
feel better.
There's no coffee in the world
can do that,
...regardless of what the advertisers
tell you.
Why did I have to open my
big mouth?
Why did I even look at that report?
Darling, it isn't your fault.
You couldn't have done anything else.
That must be the police!
You go.
No...
I'll go.
- Mr. Burnside.
- Hal, I've been doing some serious thinking.
I'm not going to let your stubborness
jeopardize Louisa's whole future.
- Tell her I want to see her.
- My mother isn't here!
I might have expected that
from you.
I demand to see her and nothing's
going to stop me!
Louisa... Louisa!
Meg, where's Mrs. Norton?
Mother's been missing since
early this evening.
- Why, that's impossible.
- It is not impossible!
We've had the police on the
phone all night.
They're even dragging the river.
- How did it happen?
- I read your report and laid down the law.
That did it.
I'll get that detective agency
on the phone right away.
That detective agency's gotten us
in enough trouble already.
Poor Louisa. My poor, poor Louisa.
Perhaps this will be a lesson
to all of us.
Hello?
Yes, this is Mr. Norton.
Yes.
Yes.
No, she isn't!
What kind of Police Department
are you running?
- If she were home, I'd have called you!
- Give me that phone.
This is Abel Burnside speaking!
Now you boys had better snap to it or
you'll be pounding a b*at in the suburbs.
This is the suburbs.
Well... we... well you...
You'll be in real trouble!
Now put your mind to it.
She's not a hard woman to find.
I'll expect a report from you
in the next half hour.
Hal, you can have your job back.
- If you want it.
- Thank you.
Thank you very much.
That's Louisa. I can feel it.
- I'm very good at hunches.
- Mother has her own key.
- Mr. Norton!
- Jimmy...
This is a fine time to come calling.
What's the matter with your parents?
- Goodbye!
- I asked him to come.
I thought it would help to have someone
around here who wasn't emotional.
- Good night, Jimmy!
- But Mr. Norton,
I just passed Mr. Hammond's
grocery store.
There were lights on the second floor
and there's a woman up there.
- Now, I'm not saying it's your mother...
- She's married.
She couldn't be. It takes five days
to get married in this State.
The blaggard!
Why, that lying, conniving...
He told me on the phone...
- Is your car outside?
- It's in the driveway. Come on!
- Ma.
- Chris, you stay here.
Aw, Ma, I always miss everything.
If he thinks this is an airplane,
he's flying too low.
Mr. Burnside, can't we please
slow down a bit?
Before I get through with that senile
Casanova he'll regret the day he was born.
I'll tear him limb from limb.
We're going to have a chance of getting
Mr. Hammond with your hands on the wheel.
Young woman, I was driving an automobile
before you were born.
I saw her through that window,
only the lights were on then.
- How do we get up there?
- There's a bell here.
Open up, come on, open up!
Mr. Burnside, there's no use waking up
the whole neighborhood.
Open up, I say!
- Who is it?
- You know blasted well who it is.
Open this door!
Where is she?
What have you done with her?
- Tell me!
- How can I tell you when I can't breathe?
Abel Burnside, take your hands
off him immediately!
- Louisa!
- Mother!
- Grandma!
- You scum!
Hal, Meg, do something!
Mr. Burnside, this isn't helping.
Don't hold me, let me k*ll him!
Mother, get your things.
We're going home.
Harold, I don't like your tone.
Mr. Hammond's housekeeper is here
and it's all very proper.
- That's hardly an explanation, Mother.
- I don't make a practice of lying.
But under the circumstances,
I thought it advisable for
Mrs. Norton to be my guest here.
Until we are married!
Aren't you forgetting your other
four wives, Mr. Hammond?
Let me handle this bluebeard!
Abel, will you stop hitting Henry?
Now, if Mr. Burnside will...
remain with the squash...
...just a few seconds, I'll...
I'll tell you all about my four wives.
Very decent of you! I hope it's as good
as your performance on the phone.
Harold, at least give Mr. Hammond
the courtesy of listening.
Thank you, my dear.
Do you have the names of the women?
I have a man on all fours and he's
checking those little details right now.
You're going to be very disappointed,
Mr. Burnside.
They are all the same woman.
I loved my late wife very dearly.
Call it sentimental, if you like. But every
ten years, no matter where we were
We took out a new license
and were married all over again.
Well, why didn't you tell us before?
Even if we had, you'd have found something
else to make a fuss about.
Harold, you didn't like the idea of my
getting married from the beginning.
I suppose all children feel the same
way about their parents.
But I let you grow up and
become independent.
Don't you think I'm entitled to the
same privilege?
Yes, Mother.
Dearly beloved, we are gathered
together here...
...to join together this man and
this woman in holy matrimony.
If any man can show just cause why
they may not lawfully be joined together...
let him now speak or else hereafter
forever hold his peace.
Henry, wilt thou have this woman
to thy wedded wife...
...so long as ye both shall live?
I will.
Louisa, wilt thou have this man
to thy wedded husband...
...so long as ye both shall live?
I will.
Who giveth this woman to be
married to this man?
The flowers.
Repeat after me.
- I, Henry, take thee, Louisa...
- I, Henry, take thee, Louisa...
- to my wedded wife...
- to my wedded wife...
- and thereto I plight thee my troth.
- and thereto I plight thee my troth.
Louisa, repeat after me.
I, Louisa, take thee, Henry, to my
wedded husband...
I, Louisa, take thee, Henry, to my
wedded husband...
- and thereto I give thee my troth.
- and thereto I give thee my troth.
The rings.
Bless, O Lord, this ring.
That he who gives it, and she
who wears it...
...may abide in Thy peace and continue
in Thy favor under their life's end.
Amen.
Place the ring on Louisa's finger,
hold it there and repeat after me.
- With this ring...
- With this ring...
- I thee wed.
- I thee wed.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Join right hands.
For as much as Henry and Louisa have
consented together in holy wedlock,
...and have witnessed the same
before God and this company,
and thereto have given and
pledged their troth each to the other...
...and have declared the same by giving
and receiving a ring and joining hands,
I pronounce that they are man
and wife. Amen.
It'll never last.
Mother, how can you be
so sentimental?
Cathy, it's just beautiful at any age.
Here... hand me that.
Louisa (1950)
Moderator: Maskath3
Watch on Amazon Merchandise Collectables
The older Classic's that just won't die. Everything from before 1960's.
The older Classic's that just won't die. Everything from before 1960's.